My Father's Shoes

7:44 PM

When my father was still living, he had two pairs of Bally shoes which he would alternate in wearing for special occasions such as weddings and graduations. After being cleaned, the shoes go back straight to their boxes to wait for the next special event that would come. Because of the great care they have been given, both look practically new up until their owner passed on.During the time I was disposing of the personal belongings of my father, I tried very hard to let go of my natural sentimentalism towards things that belonged to the people I love because I know other people can make better use of his things than a storage box. As a concession to myself, I kept the two pairs of shoes, not even knowing at that time if I will have a son somewhere in my future who can wear them. I did have a son thirteen years after he was gone but his shoes stayed in storage, somehow forgotten as I attended to the responsibilities of having a growing family.I remember the shoes every now and then, when I get to do my general cleaning. I held on to them not only because I now had a son who can possibly wear them in the future but also because they were such in an excellent condition that it would be a shame not to wait a while longer to finally make them useful. The right time came sooner than I expected. Before this school year opened for classes, my son and I went shopping for his school shoes after making use of his old pair for two school years. That day, I was increasingly getting frustrated as we tried to find quality shoes that would not cost a fortune and then it hit me. My son who is only in Grade 6 has the same shoe size as my father (size 8) and so the decision to use the black Bally shoes was made (by me, of course) and my son was looking at me as if I was saying something unintelligible. I do understand my son's apprehension after hearing from me about his grandfather's shoes which were in storage with us for 25 years now, and that is not counting the number of years it has served my father.. Even when it fitted perfectly and had no visible signs of damage, my son was unsure up until the first day of classes but I requested him just to try it which he acceded to. With baited breath, I waited for the verdict and it came in these words: "Ok naman pala ang shoes ni Lolo, komportable isuot. Marami sa classmates ko ganitong style din ang suot." ( The shoes of grandfather is comfortable to wear. Most of my classmates are also wearing the same style of shoes.)

My SayThat verdict overcame two obstacles: the need for comfort and the need to conform with peers. At his age, it would probably be difficult to convince my son to wear something which is not comfortable or not acceptable to the environment where he moves. As a mother, I wouldn't like my son to be uncomfortable or out of place even in times of financial strain thus I was thankful from the temporary reprieve from shoe expenses.That said, I would like to imagine my father guiding my son through his shoes, something which he never got to do because of his early demise. Believe it or not, such a thought comforts me.

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comments

its normal to get sentimental on things our loved ones once wear or use. but, they would rather want their things to be used, than kept, forgotten and eventually deteriorate. just a thought. Yahweh bless.

I could really relate with you. My father also used to clean his shoes and put them inside the box after using. And we still clean his shoes despite that he's already in heaven. I've already missed my father.

those are beautiful shoes to treasure and be loved :-) I miss my father so very much too :-( when I was in the Philippines, he made me a wooden calendar and brought it with me to America...every time I change the numbers, I always smile and remember my father :-)

i am also very sentimental... and i like to keep little remembrances of certain events of my life... but eventually I got overwhelmed with too many stuff... and i decided to let go of some... it's sad and hard but when you see other people smiling because of it... it makes the letting go part seem better

This is very touching, oh well there are teenagers who doesn't like to wear especially when it is from our old folks. But your son is admirable, maybe his LOLO was able to guide him though when he was at school.

I'm unfortunate to be far from home so I can't keep belongings of my Dad when he died (exactly 3 years ago). His favorite shoes when not in business attire are converse pairs and I had often send him those in different colors when he was still alive. Whenever I see them at the store or when my kids where a pair, I'm reminded of him. If there's one that I treasure for my Dad's memory, it's my youngest son who uncanningly is like my dad. :)

I would like to invite you to read John 5:28, it's the promise I hold on to to keep me from the pain of losing my dad. TC!

when my grandfather, father and recently a dear family friend passed on, their shoes, watches were all handed to down to loved ones. Those Bally shoes are not only cool brands to wear but a heritage :)

They really look good as new and so classic. Did it ever cross your mind that a few years from now you can auction them off and command a good price or Bally will be giving you an irresistible offer just to have them? Seriously, I can imagine the conversations between Tatay and Pio during long walks. Wish I can eavesdrop........

That must really be a good kind of shoes that it survived for 25 years. Ang galing naman. You father must have really taken care of it plus you keeping it safe in storage. Who would have thought that after 25years, the shoes saved you from spending on a new pair for your son.

Those are finest shoes. And to think it's Bally, a great quality brand name. Oh my, that is a treasure to behold. Sentimentally attached to you. So, even if your son grows out of it, please continue to keep it if it's that valuable for you. Plus, that design and stle never goes out of fashion. Classic and it'll stays trendy forever!

wow such a sentimental value. i can see that those shoes are well taken care of by the previous owner. it is just right to keep it and pass it on to the right person who would take care of it like the owner does. =)